Helpmann Academy Jazz Awards at 'A Night of Jazz with Linda May Han Oh'

Helpmann Academy Langley Award for Jazz 2025: Lachlan McGargill

Jazz graduate Lachlan McGargill was presented with the top honour of the night, the Helpmann Academy Langley Award for Jazz valued at $7,500, which is supported by K&S Langley Family.

After graduating from the James Morrison Academy of Music (UniSA) with academic excellence in 2020, Lachlan continued his academic career at the Elder Conservatorium the following year. Completing the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) with a 7.0 GPA, he was awarded with First Class Honours. During Lachlan's time studying, he was selected to be second alto for the inaugural Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra (2021) featuring Will Vinson. Following this, in both 2023 and 2024 he was successful in auditioning for the 'JM Jazz World Orchestra' and was privileged to tour across Europe as both first and second tenor.

This year, Lachlan's focus has been on touring his original music across Australia and playing with other young Australian professionals. His original music has been a culmination of modern and traditional jazz, funk, gospel, heavy metal, jungle/DnB and a focus on unique forms, metric modulatoins, harmonic complexity and pushing his technical and musical boundaries.

'I feel lucky to have won the Helpmann Academy Langley Award for Jazz. A lot of work has gone into not only my music but the whole application for this award, and I'm very privileged to be awarded it today.'

– Lachlan McGargill, Helpmann Academy Langley Award for Jazz 2025 recipient

Having achieved this award, Lachlan is now set to record his first album titled Beyond. The album will be comprised of ten original compositions that feature jazz, heavy metal, gospel, funk and jungle/DnB elements, performed by a 6-piece band, including himself. The project will begin recording in early April through Wizard Tone Studios.

Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2025: Ruby Zoontjens

Vocalist Ruby Zoontjens was the recipient of the Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2025 valued at $5,000, supported by Dr Rob Lyons.

Ruby Zoontjens is a vocalist from Adelaide in her final year at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, studying a Bachelor of Music, Jazz Performance – Voice. As a self-employed musician, she regularly performs across diverse genres, showcasing her versatility. Ruby proudly serves as a vocalist in the Royal Australian Navy Band and is a dedicated vocal teacher. Ruby's artistry and dedication have been recognised through various accolades, most notably being the recipient of this award.

'Having the opportunity to attend a five-day songwriting retreat in New York alongside award-winning songwriter Andrea Stolpe and other international artists will allow me to collaborate and develop as a songwriter to eventually release my own music. I am so grateful for the generous support the Helpmann Academy and Dr Rob Lyons have provided to make this happen. Thank you so much.'

– Ruby Zoontjens, Helpmann Academy Award for Voice 2025 recipient